Who is this for?

People who eat bread every day

You’re looking for wholemeal bread for breakfast or lunch and want to know how much you get in each pack. Compare a whole loaf with a whole loaf, and a half loaf with a half loaf.

Fans of a hearty, seedy bite

You choose grains, kernels or seeds for their flavour and texture. Also check that the bread is labelled as wholemeal; multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal.

People who read labels carefully

Fibre, salt, protein or allergens may be important factors in your choice. Compare nutritional values per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific loaf.

What should you look for?

Start by checking that the bread is labelled as wholemeal and choosing the right loaf size. Then consider whether the seeds provide the texture you want and whether the nutritional information suits your needs.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Loaf size and wholemeal base Check that it’s labelled as wholemeal and compare loaves of the same size or packs of the same weight. I want to know how much bread I’ll get for my daily sandwiches, without mistaking a half loaf for a whole one. Around 44% of consumers prioritise this combination of quantity and a wholemeal base.
Seeds and texture See which seeds or kernels have been added, and check that the bread is labelled as wholemeal too. I’m specifically looking for the bite of seeds or sunflower seeds, rather than choosing a loaf just because it says multigrain. This texture is the main priority for around 33% of consumers.
Nutritional information and allergens Compare fibre, protein and salt per 100 g; read the ingredients and allergen information. If an ingredient or nutritional value determines my choice, I need the details for that specific loaf. Checking the label is the top priority for around 23% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multigrain or seeded means wholemeal

    A loaf can contain several types of grain or seeds without those words meaning that it’s wholemeal.

    First, check that it’s labelled as wholemeal. Then choose the seeds and texture you like.

  • Comparing a half speciality loaf with a whole loaf

    The packs don’t contain the same amount of bread, even if both are sold as wholemeal.

    Compare loaves of the same size, or use the pack weight to check how much bread you’re getting.

  • Relying on a nutritional claim alone

    Breads promoted for their fibre or protein can also differ in salt, ingredients and allergens.

    Read the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens before choosing a variety.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodine

    The fact that bread is sold in the Netherlands doesn’t in itself confirm that iodised baker’s salt was used in that loaf.

    For packaged bread, check the ingredients list. For unpackaged bread, ask the seller for product information.

Brands to compare

ALDI

Worth considering if you’re looking for a whole seeded multigrain loaf.

  • ALDI describes its Boeren volkoren meergranen heel as a loaf containing grains and seeds.
  • Check the pack of your chosen variety for its ingredients and allergen information.

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you want to look at a seeded wholemeal loaf with detailed nutritional information.

  • For AH ELL Eiwitrijk volkoren meerzaden half, Albert Heijn lists 11 g of fibre and 17 g of protein per 100 g, among other details.
  • This is a half speciality loaf, so don’t compare its quantity directly with that of a standard whole loaf.

Jumbo

Worth considering if you want to look at both standard wholemeal bread and a wholemeal sunflower seed variety.

  • Jumbo’s wholemeal range includes products such as fijn volkorenbrood and Stevig Volkoren Zonnepit.
  • Check the pack of your chosen loaf for the full ingredients and allergen information.

Dirk

Worth considering when comparing standard wholemeal loaves.

  • Dirk lists several wholemeal loaves from Bakker van der Akker.
  • If you specifically want seeds, check the ingredients of the loaf you choose rather than relying on the word ‘wholemeal’ in its name.

PLUS

Worth considering if you want to compare the nutritional values and allergens of a standard whole wholemeal loaf.

  • For PLUS Boeren volkoren heel, PLUS lists 6.7 g of fibre and 1.03 g of salt per 100 g.
  • According to PLUS, this loaf contains wheat, barley and soya; don’t assume it contains added seeds based on the product name.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does seeded bread always contain more fibre than regular wholemeal bread?

No, the presence of seeds doesn’t tell you how much fibre a loaf contains. Compare the fibre values per 100 g of the breads you’re considering, and check separately whether they’re labelled as wholemeal.

Does every loaf in the Netherlands contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume that a specific loaf does. For packaged bread, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt; for unpackaged bread, ask the seller for product information.

What should I look for if I’m allergic to sesame or gluten-containing grains?

Read the allergen information for the specific loaf before choosing. The European Commission says that allergens used in food must be clearly stated, so don’t rely solely on words such as multiseed or wholemeal in the product name.

Can I freeze wholemeal bread if I’m not going to use the whole loaf straight away?

You can, if the storage instructions for the product say it can be frozen. PLUS says its Boeren volkoren heel can be frozen on the day of purchase; for any other loaf, follow the instructions on its own packaging.